One of Wales’ most scenic views has been spoiled after a road sign was erected within metres of a historic tearoom, its owner has claimed.

The owner of the family-run tea room in the town of Llanrwst, north Wales, has criticised the decision to put up a new sign on the bridge over the River Conwy.

Tim Maddox, 54, has owned the Tu Hwnt i’r Bont tearoom with his wife Ayla for the last 16 years.

The grade II listed building dates back to the 15th century where it was used as a court house, but was turned into a tearoom more than 50 years ago.

A composite image of the tearoom in August 2017 (top) and today (bottom) (Peter Byrne/PA)

It is a popular attraction with photographers, in part due to the virginia creeper plant which completely covers the building and changes colour in autumn.

However, Mr Maddox said that a “prominent” road sign erected ahead of the National Eisteddfod festival in August has ruined the picturesque scene.

He told the PA news agency: “It is the most photographed building in Wales.

“At this time of year this house is covered in creeper and it is used as a symbol of the arrival of autumn.

“Because they have put that sign where they have put it, it means you cannot take a picture from the bridge because it will be right in the middle. It seems to be incredibly prominent.

“Hundreds and hundreds of people come to take pictures of it. There are around 30 people there every morning taking photos of it and the photos all now have the grey back of the sign in it.”

Tim Maddox has criticised the placement of the sign (Peter Byrne/PA)

A road sign was previously placed on the other side of the bridge, away from the view of the many photographers who visit to capture the view.

However, this sign was removed and replaced with a new larger sign telling drivers approaching the River Conwy from the south to give priority to oncoming traffic.

Mr Maddox called for the sign to be moved further back along the road, near where warning lights are already in place to urge drivers to slow down on the bridge.

He said: “I would like them to move it or remove it completely. Whoever has put that sign up just has not thought about it.

“The bridge has been there for 500 years and we have never needed a sign before.

“It is in the wrong place because by the time you get to see it, it is too late. If they are going to have it you should be able to see it when you approach the bridge.”

Mr Maddox also said that the sign may be too close to the bridge and infringe on its own listed status.

A spokeswoman for Conwy council said the sign was necessary following concerns over traffic safety on the bridge, but that it would consider alternative proposals.

She said: “The tea room is next to another iconic structure, Pont Fawr, a 17th century bridge that often experiences problems with traffic.

“The bridge is single lane, causing issues with drivers who are not clear on who has right of way.

“This causes delays, stand-offs and several vehicles at a time needing to reverse off the bridge.

“The new sign was installed in response to requests to improve this situation.

“The sign advises that vehicles coming in the other direction have priority, and it is located at the last place where drivers can safely stop and give way. We would be happy to consider other solutions.”

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